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The Rocket Force, a division of the People’s Liberation Army, was founded just last year. However, its roots date back to the 1960's when it was known as the Second Artillery Force. For the past 5 decades, the force has been one of the major trump cards in the Chinese military.

The simple process of erecting a rocket...

But years of training lie behind this seemingly simple operation.

These soldiers belong to the newly-established Rocket Force.

Part of their daily duties involves positioning rockets.

And there's a reason behind these repetitive operations.

"There could be many unpredictable situations in the field that could cause technical problems. So the launch operators must be very familiar with what they do, even in the dark, and also be able to troubleshoot," said Zhang Jian, launch operator, PLA Rocket Force.

Those unpredictable situations could be as extreme as an air strike or an overhead reconnaissance...or as simple as a change in the weather.

That's why operating in simulated rain is part of the training.

"The cooperation between launch operators is very important, especially when there are emergencies during preparation. We have contingency plans for technical problems too," said Long Xiaohui, launch operator, PLA Rocket Force.

These are the training subjects designed for the special ops force.

And launch operators also participate two or three times a week.

Though the training is beyond the needs of the operators, it's still regarded as vital for future missions.

"Wars are brutal, they leave you no time to sleep. That requires a stronger, more energetic, and firmer body. That's why we have this training to prepare our soldiers for all sorts of problems in the battlefield," said Ma Fusheng, political commissar, PLA Rocket Force.

The commissar says that military reforms have not only brought the force its new name, but also tougher requirements like improved mobility, joint combat capacity and power projecting capability.

The old training methods have to change too -- so that the new rocket force will be the best -- both in technique and in form.